Denso buys 81,000-square-foot building for expansion in Southfield

Denso officials announce plans to expand its North American headquarters in Southfield on Tuesday at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center.

Denso International America Inc. announced Tuesday it is expanding its North American headquarters in Southfield.

The supplier purchased an 81,000-square-foot building next to its current campus near Telegraph Road and Civic Center Drive in Southfield, Terry Helgesen, senior vice president of industry operations, said at a news conference at the North American International Auto Show.

The new facility will include research and development labs and testing of electric vehicle, direct injection, alternators, HVAC, and infotainment and connectivity components.

The $10 million investment was spurred by rapid growth in North America, Helgesen said.

Last year, Denso announced a $750 million investment in the U.S, including 1,200 new jobs over a four-year period. Helgesen said the supplier is ahead of schedule and has already hired 1,100 in the U.S., including hundreds at its plant in Battle Creek. Denso has hired 425 in Michigan since last year's announcement and continues to reach the goal of investing $150 million in the state.